Sampling apparatus



Jan. 27, 1959 c. c. LAVAL, JR

SAMPLING APPARATUS Filed sept. 7. 195.4

United States Patent O SAMPLING .APPARATUS Claude C. Laval, Jr., Fresno, Calif. Applicationseptember 7,1954, serial No. 454,543 12` Claims. (ci. Z55- 1.4)

The present invention relates 'to geological apparatus `and more particularly to anapparatus for use in obtaining samplesof earth `formations at sub-surface levels.

Preparatory to` certain `geological operations, such `as the drilling lof wells or the laying of foundations for dams or buildings, itis necessary to make an analysis of earth formations .at considerable depthsbelow the earths xsurface. Apparatus for accomplishing this purpose has long been known, oneof the earliest of these being shown in the U. S. patent to Williston, No. 1,683,642. i

Though differing in structural detail and manner of operation, most apparatus inths field` consists of `an elongated memberwwhich is lowered into a hole in the earth and `which carries a tool adapted to penetrate into the `side `walls Aof the hole for collecting `therein earth samples. Various means have been employed for thrusting or otherwise causing the tool to. penetrate the earth. In the `Williston patent, cited above, `this `is accomplished merelyby vertical movement of the elongatedmember. In others, explosive means have been used and in still others, such as shown inthe more recent U. S. patent to Spencer, No.` 2,326,405, hydraulic pressure or a jackscrew is employed to operate arack gear which engages a segment gear carrying the sampling tool. i

Several problems have lbeen encountered in this `field of endeavor, some of which the above` cited patents serve to illustrate.` In `an effort to simplify the apparatus used, the sampling tool, such as that in the Williston patent, has beenleft in `an` inverted position after swinging through the formation. As` the tool is withdrawn from the hole in dangling fashion, much and frequently all of the collected sampleis lost. Although `some apparatus, as exemplified by theSpencer patent, Vprovide for up-ending the'tool after collection of a sample, generally the driving arrangements for the tools, to permit such positioning, have limited the extent of pressure that can be employed. Thus, such geared constructions, asin Spencer, have broken under high `pressures, either failing to `enter hard formations or `becoming immovably anchored in the formation, due to partial operation.

Even with structures providing forupright positioning ofthe tools subsequent to coring action, little or no protection has been given to the open end of the sampling tool, thus subjecting the sample to contamination` as the apparatus is lifted out of thehole.` The present invention seeks `to overcome many `of these problems existing in conventional structures `by minimizing sample loss and contamination and by permitting greatlyincreased thrustingforce; thereby enabling deeper, `positive penetration of the tool into much harder formation than heretofore possible.

Accordingly anobjectof this invention is to improve lthe action of a' geological sampling apparatus;

Another object is to provide positive Vdriving action 2,870,989 Patented Jan. 2,7., rasa .Ice

samples `by penetration of earth formations.

Another object is to provide a sampling tool apparatus adapted to utilize high pressure for" thrusting the tools into veryhard formations.

Another Objectis to minimize sample loss `and tamination inan `earth sampling operation.` Another object is to provide an earth sampling apparatus providing a sampling Atool movable from an empty downward position through an` upward arc in earth penetrating engagement` for collection of an earthsample` and thence into upright position.`

con- Another object `is `to provide an apparatus oper-` able, as in the foregoing paragraph, `under `hydraulic pressure`.` i j Another object is to provide an apparatus for housing the tool in `upright -loeked position after soil collection thereof.

Another object `is to provide an `hydraulic system for operation of `a sampling tool* apparatus and `mounting arrangement therefor which can be inserted` into a bore hole by cable or t-he like and which is adapted to operate under even extreme hydraulic` pressures Withoutstrain on the cable. i j

Another object is to providean` arrangement as `set forthl in` the preceding paragraphs submersible in uid containing boreholes and which `is relatively unaffected in operation by environmental pressures. Another object is to provide `an earth sampling appa- 4 ratus adapted to operate. a plurality of sampling `tools mounting block.`

` simultaneously.

Another object is toprovide an earth sampling apparatusvcapableof establishing the angle" of sub-surface strata or faults by the simultaneous collection of samples at the same elevation.

Anotherobject is to provide an `earth sampling apparatus as in the preceding paragraphs which is adapted for mounting in aV self-contained unit submersible within fluid containing or dry boreholes and which is remotely controllable. v i

Other objects are `to provide a sampling apparatus, durable in construction, positive in action, relatively simple to manufacture and `highly effective for `its intended purposes.

These and other-objects `will become more fully apparent` upon reference `to `following description.

In the drawings:

Figure l is a longitudinal cross section takenrthrough the sampling `apparatus of the present linvention Aand showing it positioned within a borehole.`

Figure 2 is a fragmentary longitudinal cross section similar to that of Figure l but showingthe Vapparatus in a successive stateof operation. n, i Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross section showinghe sampling apparatus in a further successive stageof operation. 1 l

Figure 4 is a somewhat ,enlarged` longitudinal cross section showing the construction ofthe mounting bloei; andthe sampling tools and alsothe dispositionof the mounting tools within the housing in one position; of operation. p p i Figures 5 and 6 are transverse` cross. sections "talcen respectively `onmlines 5-5`and 6-6 of Figure- 1 show-` ing Vvarious details regarding the shape and mounting of the` sampling tools.` y

Figure 7 is a transverse section taken on line7-.--.7` of Figure 3 showing the sampling tools` fittedin the ing a substantially cylindrical wall 16,with upper and lower ends 17 and 18 respectively and a pair of end walls or caps 19 and l20 threadably received, on said upper and lowerends, respectively. The upper end wall 19 is provided: with a fluid passage 21 extending longitudinally therethrough.4 An eyeletI 22 is threadably fitted in the upper end wall for attaching on cable 23, thus providing means for` raising or lowering the housing within the borehole 11. The lower end wal120 has an inner concavity24 and a port 275 leading to the outside of the housing. Dirt, sludge andforeign particles which collect in the cavity 24 may be ilushed ythrough the port 25. The housing is provided with an upper transverse partion`29 attached'to'the cylindrical wall 16 in spaced relation beneath the upper end Wall 19. The upper partition .is provided with a pair of liuid passages 30 andl 31 longitudinally extending therethrough for a purpose to be described. The upper end wall 19 and the upper partition define a lluid chamber or reservoir 32 therebetween. A lowerl transverse partition 33 is also provided in thehousing having a concentric bore 34 therein and positioned in parallel spaced relation beneath the upper partition. A piston chamber is defined between the upper and lower partitions. b

Ther wallv16 is provided with a plurality of longitudinally disposed substantially rectangular slots 40 intermediate the lower partition 33 and the lower end wall For descriptive convenience, that portion of the cylindrical wall 16 above the `slots is referred to as the upper wall section 41, which provides upper slot edges 4,2. In like manner, that portion of the wall 16 below the slots is hereinafter referred to as the lower wall section 43 providing lower slot edges 44 oppositely disposed from upper slot edges 42 in their respective slots.

A prime mover 50, such as an electric motor, is mounted in rigid position on the upper partition 30 and within the fluid chamber 32. Suitable control wires, indicated at 51, are connected to the motor and extended upwardly through the upper end wall 19 for extension along with cable 23to a remote control station, not shown. A iluid pump 52, such as a gear pump, is also mounted on the upper partition adjacent to the motor and is connected thereto by a suitable drive shaft. The pump is provided with an inlet port 53 in -uid communicating relation with chamber 32 and an outlet port 54 connected to passage 31 in the upper partition. An elastic or other distendible bag 55 is connected to the fluid passage 21 in the upper end wall and also is disposed within the chamber 32. This chamber is fluid tight and is filled with a quantity of uid 56 for supplying the pump S2.

An hydraulic system somewhat similar to that shown and described in my co-pending application S. N. 384,229, filed October 5, 1953, Patent No. 2,740,456, is also provided in chamber 32. Brieily described, it includes a solenoid-operated pass valve 57 having a iluid conduit 58 connected to the iluid passage30 and an inlet port 59 in fluid communicating relation with fluid chamber 32. The valve 'is electrically controlled from line 51 together with motor 50.' As such, the valve is adapted to close during energization of the motor permitting fluid entry into chamber 35 only through passage 31. Upon deenerg'ization of the motor, valve 57 opens and permits flow of fluid from chamber 35 back into chamber 32 through passage 30, conduit 58, now open valve 57 and port 5,9."

A 'piston 60 is mounted Within the housing 15 in the piston chamber 35 4for slidable reciprocation between the upper partition 29 and the lower partition 33. The pisf ton is provided with a plurality of O-rings 61' in circumscribing relation therearound forbearing against the cylindrical wall 16 for sealing purposes. Cup leathers or other equivalents may, of course, be employed for the purpose, or the piston t with such precision to the charnber as to avoid any objectionable leakage.

A piston rod 62 is connectedv to the piston and is provided with an extended end 63 slidably extendible through the bore 34 in the lower partition 33. A large coil spring 64 is disposed within the piston chamber around the piston rod and bears against the lower partition and the piston for yieldably urging the piston into abutting relation with the upper partition.

A substantially cylindrical elongated sampllng tool mounting block 70 having upper and lower ends 71 and 72 respectively, is slidably mounted within the housing beneath the lower partition 33. The upper end 71 of the mounting block is connected to the Vend 63 of the piston rod but alternatively need not be connected thereto. The mounting block is provided with a plurality of longitudinally disposed peripherally spaced grooves 73 in the outer surface thereof. f These grooves face outwardly from the are constructed with lower restricted sections 76 and ball-bearing socket halves 77.

A threaded stud 78 extends endwardly from the lower end 72 of the mounting block 70. A plate 79 having a socket halves 77. A disk 81 is slidably mounted-withinl the housing below mounting block 70 having a shank 82 upwardly Vextended therefrom'threaded on the stud .78. This arrangement holds the plate 79 on the mounting block and forms complete ball-bearing sockets 'from 1'the joined socket halves 77 and 80;

Balls 83 having integrally attached threaded pins -84 are rotatably'received iii corresponding socket halves 77 and 80.. The pins are limited to substantially. longitudinally arcuate movement relative to the housing in the restricted sections 76 of grooves 75. A plurality of sarnpling tools or tubes 85 having core=receiving endsl86 are threadably received at their inner ends 88 on the pins 84. Thus mounted, the tools are adapted for pivotal movement on axes collectively lying in circumscribing relation to the mounting block 70. The core-receiv1ng ends of the tools provide a substantially cylindrical bore or barrel 90 opening endwardly of the tool. The corereceiving ends may assume a variety of shapes but .as illustrated in the present embodiment are provided with a rounded back 91, a streamlined substantially V-shaped front cutting edge 92 and a hat upper end 93. Although not shown, the mouth of bore 90 may bebevelle'dif desired. An air and Huid escape port94 is provided 1n each of the core-receiving ends permitting communication between the inner end of the bore 90 and the exterior of the tool.

The shank 82 is provided withradially disposed .rev cesses 96 for the `reception of spring elements 97 which are held at their inner ends within their respective recesses. The recesses and thus-the springsare individuallyvaligned with the core-receiving ends 86 of the sampling tools and are adapted to urge the 4tools outwardly of the shank. A large coil Vspring 99 is received in the housing Vbetween disk 81 and the lower end wall 20 and is constructed in muchthe same manner 4and `for a similar purpose as spring 64` .A Alongitudinal key way 105 is jprovided in the .mounting block 70 for receiving a mating'key' 1106` disposed yalong the interior of wall.1`6 ofthehousingfm rotationally aligning` the .samplingltools A85 individually with the slots 40. Itwill be readily apparent that upon 4longitudinal and rotational alignment or registration of the tools with the slots, the tools are released for outwardpivotal movement through the slots. `As the mountingfblockdescends through the housing past the slots, the tools are `forced into the grooves. This willbe explained in greater detail during the discussion of the .operation of "the invention. It should be noted `at this point, "however, that the sanipling tools, slots, and grooves are toperativelyr associated and must be .-constructed" for correspondingroperative relation. The size, number and `location of these members may be varied to suit particular needs. As shown, two pairs of tools are provided'lan'd. are mounted so as to extend `from thev housing atdia'metrical opposed positions. Other arrangements will be readily apparent `to those Skilled in the art.

Operation as/fasse `The operation of this invention ybelieved to be readily apparent and is briefly summarized at this point. As explained above, the present inventionisadapted `for use inboreholes such as those formed `in thewdrilling'for oil, water, gas or other minerals.` It isalsoexcellentlysuited for the determination of subterranean lcharacteristics prior tothe setting of foundations for dams, buildings or like construction. In: such applications the toolis used to make a geological analysis of `earth formations at considerabledepths by the extraction ofsoil orzrock samples.

The sampling apparatus 10 `of this invention is lowered within the hole on a` cable 23.` The housing is positioned in the hole at the desired depth and with the slots 40 adjacent `to that `portion of the wall of the vborehole from which it is desired to take a` sample. `With the `apparatus thus positioned, the various elementstthereof are in an` inoperativecondition, as shown in `Figure lubeing urged into such `condition fby `springs 64 `and 99. 'As` such, `it is to be V.noted that thesampling tools 8S are: heldin acollapsed position endwardly extendedrfrom the mounting blockr'l'i)` and `are retained withinthe `upper wall `section 41 of the housing 15. The flat upper ends `93 vof `the tools all liesubstantially above the upper slot edges42whereby the tools are pressedv outwardly? against `the uppercwall section `by springs 97. Themotor150and1pump52 are, of course,.in `an inoperative condition and `by-passvvalvef57 is open. t

The` apparatus `is placed into `operativeconditionby enn ergization of motor 50.through closure.` of atswitch, not shown, connected` `to wire 51. At the same time, the solenoid operated by-pass valve 57 closes; Themo'toroperates pump 52 `and fluidf56is forced .from the `chamber 32 through inlet port 53, the pump and outlet port 54, through` passage31 into `chamber 35 above piston 60.` Considerable iiuid pressure is obtainable t through the pump and thus the piston is forced downwardly in chamL ber thereby extendingthe piston rod through the lower partition 33. As is `quite evident,` this moves the mounting blockf70` downwardly in the` upper section41 `of the housing thus carrying the sampling tools 85 downwardly into positions of alignment with the slots 40.

When the sampling tools 85 have reached a position` where their upper ends 93 are just below the upper slot edges 42, as shown in FigureZ, springs 97 thrust the tools outwardly "through the slots into penetrating.engage ment with the walls of the borehole adjacent to the slots. iff the earth `formation is of a relatively soft nature, `the toolscwillobviously enter the borehole walls with ease. Even withl extremely hard `rock formation, however, the features of the present invention enable forcible cutting entryfoflthe tools therein. ,"The forward V-shaped edges 92of ithe `tools are knife-like `and havebeen provided to facilitate suclranventry` More significantly, however, is the-1drivin`g;:pres`sure imparted tofthe'tools by hydraulic p actuation.

` Thus, asthe toolsuare thrust initiallyraoutwar'dly,` the lowerforward `knife-lilceedlges of the tools bite into the formation. With the .tools thus initially gripping the walls of theformation, themountng block is held against further .downward movement and `further application of `pressure through pump SZserves to u rge the housingtupwardly relative to the block. During this action, the cable 23 is 'slack and the apparatus is supported on the tools extended into the lborehole walls. When- `the lower slotedges 44 transversely abut the rounded backs 9i of the tool, further application of pressure leverages the tools in the upward arcs through `the formation around the lower slot edges as fulcrums.

As 4each tool 85 swings upward` through theformation, .a sample of Aearth is received by the tools within each .of t e bores of their core-receiving ends. The ports.94 prevent gas pockets or the collection'of fluid fromblocking inward movement of thesamples. As the tmounting 'block slides past the slots 40 into `lower wall sect-ion `43, each of the tools is forced into upwardly extended positions in housed relation withintheir respective grooves 75. In this regard, it is to be noted that the toolsare leveraged into "upright position around the lower slot edges. An additional impact may be given the tools `S5 to force them through the formation by relieving and applying `hydraulic pressure, thus rammingr` the `slot edge 44 `successively against the tools.` ferred to constant application ofhydraulic` pressure but is rendered possible by the present invention.

Although not shown, fthelower slot edges could, be provided with a reinforcing means suchas `a cushion or a roller, `neither `of which is shown, to facilitate entry `of the tools into the block Also, `the. back 91 of each tool could be made to mate with-the lowerslot edge to improve the coacton between these members. As each tool enters its grooves, it slides againstthe linger 7S thereintwhereby the respective latch`f74 is lifted permitting entry of :the tool. When each tool is entirely within its groove, the latch drops and the catch iinger engages over its `back 91 to hold it in upright position.

` Thus, with all the bores 90` of the sampling tools 85 filled with samples and the `tools locked in upright position within the block 70,the apparatus is ready to be lifted fromthe borehole 11i. First, however, the motor `5t) is deenergized turning pumpSZ oif andsirnultaneously opening valve 57. Since this relieves the hydraulic pressure on the piston 60, springs 99 and 64 expand and urge the mounting block upwardly past `slots40 into the upper wall section 41 of the housing. During` this movement, the tools remain in upright positions -within the mounting block, thus preventing `any of the samples collected thereby from falling or spilling from .bores 90. With valve 57 open, uid is permitted to pass from chamber35 back into chamber 32. The apparatus is then lifted from the borehole by hoisting the cable 22.

When the apparatus 10 is at the surface of the hole 11, the tools 85 are moved into registration with the slots 49 and pivoted outwardly from the grooves simply lby lifting theycatch iingers 75.` The tools are then Unthreaded from the pins 84 andthe sample jarred or otherwise pried loose from the bores for subsequent laboratory or other analysis lor observation.

Although the foregoing operation provides for an up` ward arcuate movement of eacht tool `through substantially partial movement of the tools through such an arc may be preferred. In such a case, the tools are thrustoutwardly, as before, into positions such as shownl in` Figure 2. When suflicient penetration` for an adequate sample has been` obtained, hydraulic pressure is removed" and the` springs 64 and 99 urge the tools back into thehousing. Such `operation leavesthetools ininverted posi` tions, thus permitting sample` loss, and for this reason-isnot preferred over the full` cycle` of operation discussedn above.

`It` has been found that pressures approximatingSOOO# Such operation is not `generally pre- -with the starting winding of the motor.

`pounds per square inch on the ram head are obtainable with the described apparatus utilizing a 1/20 lhorsepower motor 50 operating on approximately 2 amperes, 110 volts and fed by a cable 51 approximately 8000 feet long connected at the surface of the well to a 110 volt outlet. Because of size and power limitationsat excessive depth, it has been found desirable to utilize a capacitor-start motor. For this purpose, a 50 microfarad condenser with a 150 volt rating is connected in series The above parameters provide highly successful operation but the invention is not to be limited to such values only.

It is to be understood that the operation of the hydraulic system is unaffected by environmental fluid pressures at workingV depths. Not only does distension and collapse of bag 55 prevent gas pockets from developing in uid chamber 32 but kit also maintains a constant equilibrium of pressures between the fluid chamber and the surrounding environmental pressures.

The construction ofthe apparatus providing controlled outward expansion of the sampling tools under hydraulic pressure enables penetration of earthformations of far greater hardness than heretofore considered possible.

. Further, there is less sample loss because of the housed protection given the tools in upright position after receiving their samples. Also of significance is the positive connection of the tools to the mounting block thus eliminating anchoring of the tools in the formation by insuring their removal. The use of a ball bearing swivel joint connection of the tools to the mounting block not only providesfor their upward swinging movements but also greatly strengthens the joint permitting the use of high pressures and minimizing breakage.

The utilization of a plurality of sampling tools under common control and swingable outwardly at opposed diametric positions imparts additional utility to the apparatus. Obviously more thorough analysis may be made since samplings may be obtained from radially spaced positions around the borehole wall. More rapid action is effected since there is no need to reposition the apparatus to take successive samples. A unique function is enabled by the plural tool feature inasmuch as the presence or absence of angularity of faults or strata can be determined by comparative analysis of the samples taken at any given elevation.

As above noted, the number, size and locationvof the tools 85, slots 90 and grooves 73 may be varied, as desired, as long as individual cooperative relation is maintained. Further, the size of the bores 90 is variable depending on the quantity of sample to be collected.

It will be readily apparent that the sampling apparatus shown and described offers improved performance as well as additional advantages over conventional structures.

'Although the invention has been herein shown and described in what is conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is recognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention, which is not to be limited to the details disclosed herein but is to be accorded the full scope of the claims so as to embrace any and all equivalent devices and apparatus.

Having described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

l. A borehole sampling apparatus comprising an elongated housing having opposite ends and a plurality of longitudinally disposed slots intermediate said ends, a mounting block mounted for slidable reciprocation in the housing past the lslots and having longitudinal grooves therein adapted for registration with said slots, each of the grooves having latch means therein, a plurality of sampling tools mounted on the block individually associated with grooves and adapted for registration with the slots for pivotal movement between positions endwardly extended from the block and reversely pivoted positions within the grooves, means for thrusting the tools Yzio the slots, means in the housing urging the mounting block toward one endof the housing with the tools in their inwardly extended position out of registration from the slots, means for applying pressure to the mounting block urging it toward the other end of the housing for registration of the tools with the slots whereupon they are thrust outwardly of the housing, said pressure applying means further urging the mounting block past the slots toward said other end of the housing for drawing the tools into their position within the grooves of the mounting block, the latch meansreleasably retaining each1of the tools in its respective groove, and means for relieving said pressure applying means to permit said yieldable means to urge the mounted block toward said one end of the housing back past the slots. e Y

2. A geological sampling device comprising an elongated housing having opposite ends anda plurality of longitudinally disposed slots intermediate said ends, the slots being bounded at upper and lower ends thereof by the housing, a mounting block mounted for slidable reciprocation in the housing past the slots and having longitudinal groovesA therein adapted for juxtaposition with the slots, a plurality of sampling tools mounted on the block individually associated with the grooves therein and adapted for registry with the slots for pivotal movement between positions endwardly extended from the block and'upright positions within the grooves, means for thrusting the tools outwardly of the housing upon registry thereof with the slots, means inthe housing urging the mounting block toward one end of the housing with the tools in their endwardly extendedA positions out of registry from the slots, means for applying pressure to the mounting block urging it toward the other end of the housing for registering the tools with the slots, said pressureV applying means further being adapted to urge the mounting block past the slots toward said other end of the housing for bringing the tools into transverse engagement with the lower edges of the slots, said lower edges upon further movement of the block toward said other end of the housing forcing the tools into their positions within the grooves of the mounting block, and means releasably locking the tools in the grooves.

3. In a geological sampling apparatus for use in obtaining samples of earth formations providing an elongated housing, a sampling tool pivotally mounted in the housing for movement from a downwardly extended position through an upward arc into an upright position comprising an elongated body having core-receiving end and sample-receiving bore, the body having alaterally disposed knife edge extended longitudinally, of the body in the direction of pivotal movement thereof adapted to cut through the formation during penetration thereof.

4. In a geological samplingpapparatus for use in obtaining 4earth samples providing an elongated housing, a mounting block mounted in the housing for slidable reclprocation therein and providing a plurality of sockets, balls mounted individually in the sockets having pins outwardly extended therefrom adapted for movement in outward arcuate paths in planes longitudinal of the path of movement of the block, a plurality of sampling tools individually connected to the pins for movement therewith, means for thrusting the tools from the housing at selected positions therealong, the tools being held in the housing in positions endwardly extended from the mounting block except when in said selected positions, and means in the housing applying pressure to the block to move the tools into said selected positions and for swinging the tools into earth penetrating engagement through said outward arcuate paths.

5. In a geological sampling apparatus for usel in obtaining earth samples providing an elongated housing having a plurality of elongated slots therein, a mounting block mounted in the housing for slidable reciprocation therein and providing a plurality of sockets, balls mount- 9 ed individually in the sockets having pins outwardly extended therefrom adapted for movement in outward arcuate paths in planes longitudinal -bf "the pathof movement `of the block, `a plurality of elongated sampling tools individually connected to the pins and being positioned for movement through the slots upon `individual registry therewith, the tools and slots constraining the pins to movementiin their respective longitudinal planes, means for thrusting the tools from the `housing when in registry with their respective slots, the tools being held in the housing in positions endwardly extended from the mounting block except when in said positions of registration, and means in the housing applying pressure to the blocleto move the tools into saidpositions of registration and for swinging the "tools into earth penetrating engagement through said upper arcuate paths.

6. A self-contained, remotely controlled submersible geological sampling apparatus comprising an elongated housing having opposite ends,` aplurality of longitudinally disposed slots intermediate lsaid ends "and `providing a piston chamber therein, a piston mounted for slidable reciprocation inthe chamber between retracted and extended positions having a piston rodconn'ected thereto, aspring bearing againstthe piston for urging the piston into retractedposition toward one end ofthe housing, a mounting block connected to the piston rod for slidable reciprocation past the slots "in'response to reciprocation of the piston, the mounting block providing outwardly facing groovesdisposed longitudinally therein `for alignment with the slots upon movement of the mounting blockthereby, a pluralityqof sampling tools mounted on the blockindividually associatedwith the grooves therein and adapted upon alignment withl the slots for pivotal movement from positions endwardly extended from the blockto upright positions within the grooves, means for thrusting the tools outwardlyof the housing upon alignment thereof with `the slots, means for applying hydraulic pressure to the piston to urge it into extended `position thereby Vmovingthemounting, blocktoward and aligning the tools with the slots, said hydraulic means being further operable to move the mounting block'past the slots permitting upward arcuatemovement of the tools into housed position in their respective grooves ofthe mountingblock, and means releasing the hydraulic pressure to permit movement of the piston into retracted position and themounting block back past theslots.

7. A self-contained, remotely controlled submersible geological sampling apparatus ycomprising an elongated housing having opposite"ends,"a plurality of longitudinaL ly disposed slots intermediate vsaid ends and providing a pistonicharnbertherein, a `piston mounted for slidable reciprvocation in the chamber between retracted and extended'positions having apiston rod connected thereto, a spring bearing against thejpiston for urging the piston intoretracted `position toward one end ofthe housing, a mounting bloek connectedto the piston Vro`d`for slidable reciprocation past the slots inA response to reciprocation of the piston, the mounting `block providing outwardly facing grooves disposed longitudinally` therein for alignment with the slots upon movement of the mounting block-thereby, aplura-lity` of samplingtools mounted on the block individually associated-with" the` grooves therein a'I'zCVadapted` upon alignmentwiththe slots for` pivotal movement?` from positions endwardly l extended from the block to upright positions within the grooves, means for thrusting the tools outwardly of the housing upon alignment thereof with the slots, a shank endwardly extended from the block having a disk mounted thereon transverselyv disposed in the housing for reciprocal movement with the block, a spring bearing against the disk forurging the disk toward said one .end of the housing, means for n applying hydraulic pressure to the piston to urge it into extended position thereby moving the mounting block toward the other end of the houslng for alignlng the tools with the slots, said hydraulic means being further operable to move the mounting block past the slots n the same direction permitting upward arcuate `movement of the tools into housed position in their respective grooves of the mounting block,` and means releasing the hydraulic pressure to permitmovernent of the piston into retracted position and the mounting blocktoward said one end of the housing in the opposite direction past the slots. n

8. A self-contained, remotely controlled submersible geologicalsampling apparatus comprising an elongated housing havingopposite ends, a plurality of `longitudinally disposed siots intermediate said ends and providing a piston chamber therein, a piston mounted for slidable reciprocation in thechamber between retracted `and eX- tended positions having a piston rod connected thereto, a spring bearing against the piston for urgingthe piston into retracted position toward one end of the housing, a mounting block `connected to the piston rod for slidable reciprocation past the slots in response to freciprocation of the piston, the mounting block `providing outwardly facing grooves disposed longitudinally therein for alignment with the slots upon movement of themounting block thereby, each of the grooves having latch means therein, a plurality of sampling tools mounted on "theblock individually associated with the grooves therein and adapted upon alignment with the slots for pivotal movement from positions endwardly extended from the block to upright positions within the grooves, means for thrusting the tools outwardly of thehousing upon alignment thereof with the slots, means for applying hydraulic `pressure to the piston to urge it into extended position thereby moving hte mountingblock toward and aligning the tools with the slots, said hydraulic means being further operable to move the mounting block past the slots permitting upwardarcnate movement of the tools into housed position invtheir respective grooves of the mounting block, the latch means `releasablyretaining each of the tools `in its respective groove, `and means Ireleasing the hydraulic pressure to permitmovement of the piston into retracted position and the mounting block back past the slots.

9. `A borehole sampling apparatus comprising an elonv gated hollow housing having upper and lower end walls,

in spaced relation beneath the upper partition and det ning a piston chamber therebetween, a piston mounted in the piston chamber for slidable reciprocation therein, a piston rod `connected'to the piston having an end` slidably extendible through thevlower partition, a substantially `cylindrical mounting block mounted for slidable movement in the housing beneath the lower partition having an upper end connected to the slidably extendible end of the piston rod and a lower end, a plurality `of grooves longitudinallydisposed in the surfaceof the block arranged in peripherally spaced diametrically opposed positions `therearound, each of the grooves having a latch member therein, a plurality of sampling tools having upper ends individually pivotally mounted in the lowerl end of the mountingblock and having core receivingends disposed invlongitudinal alignment with a corresponding groove in the mounting block, the core-receiving ends having substantially V-shaped outwardlydisposed edges therein7 there being at least a pair of sampling tools diametrically arranged relative to said housing, the housing having a plurality of longitudinally disposed slots, each having upper and lower edges, intermediate the lower end wall and the lower partition and individually associated with the sampling tools, a shank connected at the lower end of the block extended downwardly centrally of the sampling tools having a disc connected at the lower end thereof, spring means mounted on the shank individually bearing against each of the sampling tools adapted to thrust each tool outwardly of the housing upon alignment thereof with its respective Yslot, the tools being adapted upon movement thereof -from above to below the slots for individual pivotal movement between a downwardly directed position endwardly extended from the block, through the slots to upright positions within the grooves of the block associated therewith, springs mounted in the housing between the upper and lower partitions and between the disk and the lower end wall adapted yieldably to urge the mounting block and thereby the sampling tools into positions above the slots, hydraulic pressure means mounted on the upper partition in the fluid chamberfcr forcing iluid under pressure into the piston chamber for imparting downward sliding movement to the block whereby the sampling tools are brought into alignment with the slots for outward pivoting movement and upon further downward movement of the block are brought into engagement with said lower edges of the slots for forcing the tools into latched position within the grooves of the mounting block, means for releasing the hydraulic pressure, a quantity of uid inthe fluid-tight chamber for supplying the hydraulic means, a distendible bag mounted in the fluid-tight chamber communicating exteriorly of the housing and adapted for distention upon removal of Huid from the fluid-tight chamber by the hydraulic means, and contraction upon entry of such iluid in the chamber, and means for controlling the hydraulic means for application and release of hydraulic pressure on the piston.

l0. A self-contained remotely operable borehole sampling apparatus comprising an elongated housing having opposite ends and a plurality of longitudinally disposed slots intermediate said ends, a mounting member mounted for slidable reciprocation longitudinally of the housing past the slots and having longitudinal grooves therein adapted for registration with said slots, a plurality of sampling tools mounted on the mounting member individually associated with the grooves and adapted for registration with the slots for pivotal movement between positions extended from the mounting member endwardly of the housing and reversely pivoted positions within the groovesextended toward the opposite end of the housing, means for thrusting the tools outwardly from the housing upon registration thereof with the slots, a reservoir within the housing, an expansible bag mounted within'the reservoir in iluid communication with the exterior of the housing, an hydraulic ram having a piston therein operably associated with the mounting member and movable between retracted and extended positions, resilient means urging the piston into retracted position, an electrically driven pump mounted within the housing having an intake connected to the reservoir and a discharge connected to the ram for delivering hydraulic fluid to the ram to move the piston into extended position whereby the mounting member is rst moved to bring the tools into registration with the slots whereupon they are thrust outwardly of the housing and further to urge the mounting member past the slots for pivoting the tools outwardly and upwardly into their positions within the grooves of the mounting member, and an electrical conductor connected to the electrically driven pump and having an end extended from the housing adapted for connection to a source of electrical energy remote from the housing whereby the pump is actuated and for disconnection therefrom to permit retraction of the piston by the resilient means, n

11.-A self-contained, remotely controlled submersible Vgeological-sampling apparatus adapted to be submersed in a fluid containing borehole comprising an housing having an enclosed fluid-tight reservoir therewithin, an expansible `substantially iluid-tight bag mounted Ywithin the reservoir having an interior adapted to receive uid in fluid communication with the exterior of the housing, an hydraulic ram mounted in the housing having a piston longitudinally reciprocally movable in the housing between predetermined retracted and extended positions, means yieldably urging the piston into retracted position, an electrically driven pump mounted within the housing having an intake connected to the reservoir and a discharge connected to the ram adapted upon energization to urge the piston into extended position, the bag receiving and releasing borehole fluid from and to the exterior of the housing during operation of the ram so as to equalize `pressures in the reservoir, a coring tool connected to the ram for movement between a retracted position within the housing and an operable position extended from the housing incident to longitudinal reciprocation of the ram, and electrical conducting means connected to the electrically driven pump and extended from the housing adapted for connection to a source of electrical energy remote from the housing.

12. A self-contained, remotely controlled submersible geological sampling apparatus comprising an elongated housing having a slot longitudinally disposed therein and a fluid-tight reservoir therewithin, an expansible 'substantially uid-tight bag mounted within the reservoir having an interior adapted to receive fluid and in lluid communication with the exterior of the housing, an hydraulic ram mounted in the housing having a piston longitudinally reciprocally movable in the housing between an endwardly directed position Within the housing when the piston is in retracted position, an operable po-sition outwardly extended through the slot as the piston travels from retracted to extended position, and an oppositely endwardly directed position within the housing in the extended position ofthe piston, and electrical conducting means connected to the electrically driven pump and adapted for connection `to a source of electrical energy remote from the housing.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,315,694 Douglas Apr. 6, 1943 V2,326,405 Spencer Aug. 10, 1943 2,612,346 Nelson Sept. 30, 1952 2,697,585

Chaney et al. Dec. 21, 1954 

